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['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Looks like an excellent site, well found Bou and thanks for sharing.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

These are great books Bou I have collected a number of them over the years and some are written by well-known WWII authors too.

[Dj]

Used to be they would let you download the PDF copies of the big green wall series for gratis.



Bou wrote: "I just found this site, very interesting. Complete WW2 history of the US Army.

http://www.history.army.mil/html/book..."

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Dj wrote: "Used to be they would let you download the PDF copies of the big green wall series for gratis.

Bou wrote: "I just found this site, very interesting. Complete WW2 history of the US Army.

http:/..."

I like the physical books Dj and they sit nicely alongside the other nations OHs that I have.

[Dj]

I like the physical books as well, but they are quite difficult to find in the original shape and aspect. IE; with the fantastic maps that were included. Some of them have never been reprinted and while the PDFs are a very distant second to the hard copy, if it is what you can get, you shouldn't dodge the discomfort, since the books themselves are very wroth the read.



Geevee wrote: "Dj wrote: "Used to be they would let you download the PDF copies of the big green wall series for gratis.

Bou wrote: "I just found this site, very interesting. Complete WW2 history of the US Army..."

[Manray9]

History has a way of punishing people with the unintended consequences of rashness. It happened to the U.S. in Iraq. Now we have the Crimean situation. The Crimea was never Ukrainian. They speak Russian there. It has always had more Russians than Ukrainians, along with the Crimean Tatars who were deported en masse to Uzbekistan by Stalin in 1944 for alleged pro-German sympathies (they’ve trickled back over the years). Khrushchev arbitrarily transferred the Crimean oblast to the Ukrainian SSR in 1954 – not foreseeing the death of the Soviet Union and the problems this would create. With the breakup of the USSR, the idea that the Russian Black Sea fleet could continue to use Sevastopol as its home base while the city remained within the borders of another sovereign state was not only unrealistic, but unworkable in the long term. I handled arrangements for the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship, USS BELKNAP (CG-26), to visit Novorossiysk in 1994. The Russian had to bring the host ships from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk because they didn’t have ships of their own navy in their own port. It was a weird and complicated situation then.

Now it appears the Russians have seized the Crimea by military force. Belligerent -- yes. Aggressive -- yes. Surprising – no. If the Ukrainians believe we’ll go to war over the Crimea, I think they’ll be sorely disappointed. What will the EU do? There may be some European bluster, but what will happen when Putin threatens to turn off the natural gas tap? The Europeans will knuckle under and Putin will have successfully redrawn Russia’s borders a la his idol, Stalin

[happy]

My brother - who was a Russian FAO in the Army back in the day plus spent 4 yrs as a Russian analyst for the DIA after he retired from the Army, basically agrees with this assessment.

In addition, he says that we can't do anything about it, because Putin doesn't care what we, the West in general and the US in particular, think. Our military options are nonexisitant and like Manray9 said - Putin has his hand on the Natural Gas tap for Western Europe.

[Mike, Assisting Moderator US Forces]

Excellent historical summary Manray9.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Manray9 wrote: "History has a way of punishing people with the unintended consequences of rashness. It happened to the U.S. in Iraq. Now we have the Crimean situation. The Crimea was never Ukrainian. They spea..."

Thank you Manray9 a very good overview. Sir Max Hastings this morning said we should not be surprised at this development as Russia had spilt much blood in this area during WWII and still sees it as part of its territory.

To my mind any Briton or French citizen who has read their history should also know this for the 19th century involvement let alone the 20th...and of course we come back to the warm water port it offers, so whilst it may be less than diplomatic it is not necessarily surprising and in Russian minds wholly right whether we agree of not.

Roderic Braithwaite former British ambassador in Moscow chastised British news media today in the Independent on Sunday writing "Much recent comment on Ukraine in the British press has been marked by a barely forgivable ignorance about its history and politics, an overhasty willingness to put the blame for all its troubles on Vladimir Putin, and an almost total inability to suggest practical ways of bringing effective Western influence to bear on a solution."

Add with the west's involvement in a number of countries over the last 20 odd years such as Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, Putin can and will see us as hypercritical and on shaky ground morally.
And of course in his mind will be what will the west actually do - look no further than Georgia; especially he may also think if the West wants Russian gas and help in damping down the flashpoint of Syria and the wider middle east.

Too early to say but the bear could well be stretching his paws again and may be we are entering another period in frostier relations...especially if it is without Russian Gas next winter.

[Mikey B.]

I basically agree with the above analysis from Manray and Geevee - that Crimea is viewed by Russia as its own territory (not sure how Ukraine looks at this - I am sure many in Ukraine see this as a breach on their sovereignty).

Also this military action by Russia continues to isolate it from the "world community" and the EU in particular, continuing to brand Russia and especially Putin as a "rogue state with a rogue dictator".

And it is a bigger concern of where these territorial demands from Putin will end?

Putin has no claim to moral high ground; think of Chechnya, of their treatment of journalists, of opposition parties...

It is true that Putin can turn off the gas switch, but they don't sell much else do they. Russia is a store with little on the shelf. Of course that's easy for me to say in Canada where we have our own natural gas coming from the remarkable tar sands in northern Alberta.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

According to data on the web (EU, WTO etc) Russia's main exports are: oil and natural gas (58 percent of total exports), nickel, palladium, iron and chemical products plus cars (!!!), military equipment and timber.

[Mikey B.]

I wonder where that military equipment goes!!?? Africa possibly, Mexican drug cartels?
Whose buying those cars?

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...

This provides some interesting info on military exports showing trade to Africa including South Africa, the Middle East, Serbia and notably India. Even former NATO adversaries have bought Russian kit like helicopters (and of course parts) and Canada and US are buying small arms through private sales: http://en.ria.ru/trend/russian_arms_e...

[Manray9]

Mike wrote: "Excellent historical summary Manray9."

Thanks. I spent many years doing that kind of stuff.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Mikey B. wrote: "I wonder where that military equipment goes!!?? Africa possibly, Mexican drug cartels?
Whose buying those cars?"

Yeah who would buy a Russian car??
Well this is interesting as it shows that they build a lot of foreign marques and that inward investment from the automotive trade has been significant: http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAss...

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "History has a way of punishing people with the unintended consequences of rashness. It happened to the U.S. in Iraq. Now we have the Crimean situation. The Crimea was never Ukrai..."

Thanks to Braithwaite for pointing out that not only Americans are ignorant of the history of the region. Putin could rightly say the West had no problem with facilitating the break-off of Kosovo and, therefore, our outrage is highly selective.

[Mikey B.]

Geevee wrote: "Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...



Interesting stuff
Should have thought of Serbia as a customer for arms
And every household should have at least one Kalashnikov.

[Manray9]

Mikey B. wrote: "I basically agree with the above analysis from Manray and Geevee - that Crimea is viewed by Russia as its own territory (not sure how Ukraine looks at this - I am sure many in Ukraine see this as a..."

Mikey B. wrote: "I basically agree with the above analysis from Manray and Geevee - that Crimea is viewed by Russia as its own territory (not sure how Ukraine looks at this - I am sure many in Ukraine see this as a..."

I believe Putin has no interest in the moral high ground. His interests end with what is good for Russia as a great power. We've seen this already in Chechnya, Dagestan, Georgia, Syria and the Crimea. I disagree with your characterization of Russia as a store with little on the shelf. As resources are used up by accelerating development in China, India, Africa and elsewhere, Russia retains enormous deposits of crude oil, natural gas, tungsten, nickel, gold, copper, lithium, palladium and other minerals. It also enjoys huge timber resources which have yet to be tapped. Russia’s economic problems in the longer term are connected with world markets which don’t want to buy what Russians make. Who wants to buy a Russian computer, smart telephone or jet aircraft? The international markets want Russia as a provider of raw materials only.

[Manray9]

Mikey B. wrote: "I wonder where that military equipment goes!!?? Africa possibly, Mexican drug cartels?
Whose buying those cars?"

I think it is still true that Syria is the #1 recipient of Russian foreign military sales.

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...

This provides some interesting info on military exports showing ..."

Most of those countries mentioned are old customers of the USSR (except South Africa). I know the U.S. is buying large amounts of small arms ammo from Russian factories. Most of the sporting goods stores near my house sell Wolf Ammo, which is manufactured in Russia.

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "Mikey B. wrote: "I wonder where that military equipment goes!!?? Africa possibly, Mexican drug cartels?
Whose buying those cars?"

Yeah who would buy a Russian car??
Well this is interesting as i..."

I drove a Niva all over Russia. It was ugly and bounced like a covered wagon, but went everywhere and never mired on crappy Russian roads.

[Manray9]

Mikey B. wrote: "Geevee wrote: "Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...



Interesting stuff
Should have thought of Serbia..."

Come on down to the U.S., too many households do have a semi-auto rifle -- plus shotguns and a half dozen handguns too.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Manray9 wrote: "Geevee wrote: "Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...

This provides some interesting info on military e..."

Yes it does seem as though old relationships have endured (with I guess aid and investment carrots too and of course a policy followed now very much by China in establishing presence and trade in nations).

I thought your points on not buying Russian technology but rather the raw or semi-manufactured materials to be well made and one born out by the pdf on the automotive industry. I should enjoy a chat down the pub with you about Russia but sadly we are a little too far away for me to stand you a Guinness or pint of India Pale Ale.

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "Geevee wrote: "Some more interesting info on trade between EU and Russia: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/coun...

This provides some interesting in..."

I will travel a long way for a good pint of Guinness, but not that far!

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Two pints?

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "Two pints?"

Now you're talking! Along with a good pub Plowman's Lunch? Do they still do Plowman's Lunch?

[Mikey B.]

Manray9 wrote: "I believe Putin has no interest in the moral high ground."

Very True (sadly). I think the E.U. responds morally to Russian "morals" more than Russia does. What they can do about it, I don't know.
Canada has withdrawn its ambassador from Moscow, but what that accomplishes, not sure.

Having 58 percent of exports dependent on natural gas and oil is very high - so I still stand by - "what do they have on the shelf".

And not so many guns in Canada; but could use a Niva car on the awful Quebec roads (Montreal especially)!

THANKS Manray and Geevee for the great input

[Manray9]

Mikey B. wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "I believe Putin has no interest in the moral high ground."

Very True (sadly). I think the E.U. responds morally to Russian "morals" more than Russia does. What they can do about it..."

I was fond of my old rattle-trap Niva.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Manray9 wrote: "Geevee wrote: "Two pints?"

Now you're talking! Along with a good pub Plowman's Lunch? Do they still do Plowman's Lunch?"

In the right pubs where they've kept the traditional name and understand real ale and good food :)

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Not a WWII article but it is another nice story of seeing off a veteran who had no (or contactable) family or friends. These are becoming a regular thing where councils (who are responsible for pauper funerals) or undertakers appeal via social media for family, friends and especially military units and veteran associations to attend when NOK can't be found: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/...

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Another good story Geevee, thnaks for posting the details and link.

[Jill H.]

First rule of book lovers.........even if you hate the book, it is still the rule.

"Do not underline, write in, highlight, or dog-ear pages of a book"

[Manray9]

Jill wrote: "First rule of book lovers.........even if you hate the book, it is still the rule.

"Do not underline, write in, highlight, or dog-ear pages of a book""

Rules I live by.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Same here, I was even thinking of getting the rules tattooed on my chest!

[happy]

:)

[Dj]

Ah...not something I needed to know, now I have to get some Bleach for my Mind's Eye.


'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Same here, I was even thinking of getting the rules tattooed on my chest!"

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

:-)

[Colin]

Thinking about history, if not for the Varangian Swedes of the 7th to 9th centuries, there would not have been a Kievan Rus as such, but a Muslim backwater in history still clinging to the 7th century. As far as Russia goes, the deaths of 25 million Ukrainians under Stalin through his starvation policies and purges, I would be real nervous if I were a Russian soldier in occupation. Remember that Ukraine supplied hundreds of thousands of volunteers for the Germans in WW II, including 2 SS regiments to fight the Communists. If the idiot in chief Obama opened up all the pipelines and gas/oil fields here, connecting with Canada, we could sell to Europe and Ukraine, cut Russia off from that revenue, and Ukraine could sever the pipelines on their end. All the while the free nations freeze the bank accounts of Putin and every Russian citizen abroad. I assure you that will get the desired results.

[Tionne]

Woke up this morning to the news that Wild Bill Guarnere of the 101st Airborne has passed away. I was fortunate enough to meet him last May and he was very kind and interesting and still quite the ladies man! :-) Broke my record for the oldest man to flirt with me! Haha He was something else, and the Philadelphia area and indeed the entire work shall miss his presence. He was really one of a kind. RIP, Bill, and Currahee!!

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

I met him and Babe Heffron (who died in December) by sheer chance one year at Omaha cemetery when we were visiting Normandy. They were both kind enough to chat to me after they'd watch me wander through the graves and lay a small poppy cross on an unknown US serviceman's grave and on discovering I was a former British soldier we spoke for some time by the reflecting pool. God rest you sir.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Sorry to hear that news Tionne, a sad day indeed.

[carl]

A memorable moment GV!

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

It was Carl and aside those my other abiding memory was of Bill gently shivering in a cotton shirt on a coolish summer day.

[Lilo]

Manray9 wrote: "History has a way of punishing people with the unintended consequences of rashness. It happened to the U.S. in Iraq. Now we have the Crimean situation. The Crimea was never Ukrainian. They spea..."

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Maybe it was a mistake that Germany made itself dependent on Russian gas. (I don't know what other options there would have been.) But that's the way it is now. And Germans don't want to freeze in winter. That's for sure.

[Lilo]

@ Mikey: You wrote:

"It is true that Putin can turn off the gas switch, but they don't sell much else do they. Russia is a store with little on the shelf."

Putin and the Russian mafia should have a nice financial cushion by now. They might not care too much about future business. What do you think?

And if the normal Russians suffer, there will always be the West to blame. Propaganda works well in Russia as it did and does in other countries.

[Lilo]

@ Mikey: You wrote: "And every household should have at least one Kalashnikov."

During the 1990s, they kept selling Kalashnikovs (along with other goods, like scientific instruments, antiques, and child porn) on flea markets all over Germany, on a regular basis. (The Russians sold them to the Polish, and the Polish came to Germany to the flea markets.) It was quite a number of years until authorities stepped in.

I am sure there will be a market for Kalashnikovs in America.

[Lilo]

@ Manray: You write: "I was fond of my old rattle-trap Niva."

How big was that Niva?

After the reunification of Germany, there was this joke:

"An excentric American orders an East-German Trabant. When it arrives the the U.S., the purchaser sends a telex: 'How thoughtful of you to send a model of the car upfront.'"

[Lilo]

Sorry, Colin, but I do NOT consider our president "idiot in chief". And I may not be the only one here.

[Colin]

Obama is so far out of his depth he is drowning. I knew Reagan and Bush Senior, and Obama is and was no way qualified for the position. The wave of liberal social hope and change brought him into office, much like the post Weimar people of Germany clinging to anything that would raise their fortunes. Both Germany and America paid a price, and in our case the interest is still mounting.

[Colin]

On another note, Obama would not even qualify for a security clearance to serve in the military, nor have his academic credentials been presented publicly to impress me, as a former professor and Special ops veteran, that he even bears those limited qualifications. He was a product of liberal affirmative action, pushed along and supported by like minded types. Sad but true.